1. Urban & Regional Development Policy On Bangladesh
Prepared by
Urban Development Directorate
Ministry of Housing and Public Works 82, Segunbagicha, Dhaka-1000
Uday Sankar Das

2. Outline Introduction of Urban Development Directorate ( UDD)
Government Policy on Urban and Regional Development
Legal Framework
Issues and Countermeasures on Urban & Regional Development
Problems and Vision of UDD
Uday Sankar Das

3. Introduction UDD was established on the 17th July 1965.
Urban Development Directorate (UDD) is the only physical planning agency of the Government of the people’s Republic of Bangladesh.
UDD was established on the 17th July 1965.

4. Functions of UDD
To advise the government on matters of policy relating to urbanization, land use and land development and
To prepare and co-ordinate regional plans, master plans and detailed layout and site plans for the existing as well as the new urban centers.
To undertake socio-economic research and collection of data for determination of the location and pattern of future urban development
To prepare various programs for urban development.

5. Functions of UDD
To act as a counterpart organization and focal point in the Government for all internationally aided physical planning and human settlement programs in the country
To advise the existing urban development authorities on their operations at their request.
To secure approval of programs and plans and obtain necessary funds from the Govt. or any other agency approved by the Govt.

6. Past Activities of UDD
From early 80s to early 90s the UDD prepared Land use/Master Plans of 50 district towns and 392 upazila towns/ pourashavas.
National Physical Planning Project with UNDP, UNCHS assistance
Urban Housing Policy and Program Development with UNDP, UNCHS assistance
Technical Assistance for the Design of Urban Area Development and Environmental Improvement, with World Bank, IDA assistance

7. Present Activities of UDD
Presently UDD involved in preparation of land use/ master plans for 24 towns in Bangladesh.
Preparation of Structure plan, Master plan & Detailed Area plan for Sylhet & Barisal Divisional Towns
Preparation of Structure Plan, Master plan & detailed area plan of 55 District Towns & Master plan for development of Cox’s bazar sea beach area are in the process of approval in the Planning Commission.

8. Government Policy
Policy on Urban Development
A Spatially Balanced National Urban System Development Strategy with a more or less sustained rate of urbanization and urban growth, to effect economic growth and balanced regional development.
An Urban Planning and Management Strategy within a democratic framework, to reduce intra-urban inequalities and to ameliorate problems within urban areas.
A Strategy for the Alleviation of Urban Poverty.

9. Government Policy Policy on Regional Development
In the early 80’s, for balanced socio-economic and infrastructural development of the regions, the following development board were established
Dhaka Divisional Development Board
Rajshahi Divisional Development Board
Khulna Divisional Development Board
Chittagong District Development Board
Sylhet, Comilla and Noakhali District Development Board
Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board
Off-shore Development Board
Haor Development Board
Barind Development Board

10. Legal Framework
In Bangladesh the following urban and regional development related Act / Ordinance are functioning.
 The Town Improvement Act (1953)
The Pourashava Ordinance (1977)
The environment conservation Act (2000)
The Open Space, Play Ground, Park and Natural
wetland Conservation Act
Building Construction Rule (2006)
Development Authorities Act

11. Issues and Countermeasures
Urban Population
1981
1991
2001
Number %
Urban
15.05
18.73
23.1
Rural
84.95
81.27
76.9
Total
100
Source: B.B.S, 2001

12. Countermeasures
The following programs / projects are on going:
Service delivery,
Information, Education & Communication (IEC),
Training, Research, Evaluation & Monitoring (REM)
Involvement of NGOs
Social Marketing Programme (SMP).
 Women’s Program

13. Issues and Countermeasures
Urban Housing
Housing is one of the most important basic needs of life
At present there is an acute shortage of affordable housing both in urban & rural areas of Bangladesh
Countermeasures:
Development of sites & service for low & middle income group of people at sec.-15, Mirpur, Dhaka.
Yousufganj New model town (Purbachal) & DND Model town implemented by RAJUK.
Involvement of the private sector with necessary incentives for its greater participation in the housing sub sector.

14. Issues and Countermeasures
Urban Transportation
An adequate & efficient transport system is a pre- requisite for both initiating and sustaining economic development.
Countermeasures:
The govt. has banned rickshaws and other NMT vehicles from some new roads in Dhaka city.
Construction of Dhaka Eastern by pass and 3 major bridges.
Construction of fly-over to ease the traffic congestion of the big cities, particularly Dhaka city.

15. Issues and Countermeasures
Urban Governance
The key ingredient in realizing the goal of sustainable urban development is good governance.
Countermeasures:
The following projects are on going to solve the issue:
Supporting Urban Governance Reform Project (SUGRP).
 Urban Governance Infrastructure Improvement Project (UGIIP)

16. Issues and Countermeasures Urban Land Use Planning
land use planning is essential for prevention of haphazard and unplanned growth of towns & cities and improvement of existing urban situation.
Countermeasures:
On going project under UDD: Preparation of Structure plan, Master plan & Detailed Area plan for Sylhet & Barisal Divisional Towns.
 Preparation of Structure Plan, Master plan & Detailed area plan of 55 District Towns is in the process of approval in the Planning Commission.

17. Problems that hinder development of Organization
Problems and Vision of UDD
Problems that hinder development of Organization
Lack of co-ordination between different line agencies .
Conflict between UDD and Pourashava ordinance regarding preparation of land use/master plans.
Out-dated method / technology.
Legal framework.

18. Vision of UDD
Vision of UDD is to augment the quality of life of the people by improving the environment through planned development activities for adequate infrastructure, services and utility provisions, tamale optimum utilization of resources especially land and to ensure a geographically balance urbanization.

19. Thank You Very Much…….